The holidays are upon us. Alongside the festive social gatherings and temptations to indulge around every corner, comes the bloating, the weight gain, the general overindulgence. No wonder we all need to detox come January! Here are ten tips from the Hill Country Apothecary staff to help you maintain some semblance of balance this holiday season.
DO:
Need a little sweetness in your pumpkin spice latte? Instead of reaching for artificial sweeteners, try stevia, monk fruit or erythritol sweeteners instead.
Are you craving a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs after all the traditional holiday fare? Try corn-free quinoa noodles instead of traditional pasta. A South American super food, quinoa packs a nutritional punch with amino acids and protein.
In addition to the plethora of food items that are horrible for us, there are also many healthful holiday foods. When confronted with the holiday buffet table, fill up on these healthy foods first:
- Sweet potatoes
- Cranberries
- Beets
- Green beans
- Root veggies such as carrots and parsnips
Read more on why these foods are so good for you.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Not only is alcohol high in calories, it has been found to exacerbate anxiety. The holidays are already stressful, but what starts out as a way to unwind can make you feel worse!
Keep a food journal. Writing down what you eat increases awareness and leads to more mindful eating.
DON’T:
Whatever you do, don’t arrive at social functions on an empty stomach. If you’ve fueled your body properly during the day, you won’t be as tempted to eat a load sugar cookies at the office holiday party!
Are the end of the year deadlines making you crave a salty, crunchy snack? Swear off regular potato chips and try kale chips! These are very easy to make at home – just coat kale leaves with olive oil and salt and pepper and bake in a single layer on a cookie sheet at 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
You don’t need a dairy-based ice cream to get your creamy ice cream fix. Try coconut ice cream instead. Coconut has fiber and potassium, so it’s a delicious and non-guilt-inducing alternative.
Why drink your calories this holiday? Instead of regular or diet soda, try flavored mineral water. The fizz makes it feel more festive, so you won’t feel like you are doing without.
Not all chocolate is created equal. Instead of reaching for your standard milk chocolate treat, try 85% dark chocolate. It’ll nip your chocolate craving in the bud, will protect your heart, and will give you a super dose of antioxidants.
The staff at Hill Country Apothecary wishes you a happy and healthful holiday!
